Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ana Tellez?

Ana was a proud Hagerman resident who passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was known for her kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment to helping others—even organizing service projects from her hospital room. This scholarship honors her life and continues the impact she made in the Hagerman community.

What are important dates for the 2025 scholarship cycle?

  • Application Opens: September 13, 2025 (Ana’s birthday)
  • Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
  • Winner Announced: Late April 2026 (exact date to be announced)
All dates will be posted on the scholarship website and on our Facebook page.

Who can apply for this scholarship?

To be eligible for the Ana Tellez Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be a graduating senior from the city of Hagerman, Idaho
    • You do not have to attend Hagerman High School. As long as you reside in Hagerman, you can attend a nearby public school, public charter school, private school, or be homeschooled.
  • Plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school
  • Demonstrate a commitment to service in their school, church, or community
  • Submit a completed application by the stated deadline, including:
    • A 3-page personal essay OR a 1-page essay and a 3-minute video
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • A copy of your transcript or proof of academic standing

What qualities are you looking for in applicants?

We’re looking for students who reflect Ana’s values: character, resilience, and a heart for service. Your GPA matters, but your character, story, and desire to help others matter just as much—if not more. Even if you feel like you may not qualify for this scholarship due to your grades, we strongly encourage you to apply.

When does the application open and what is the deadline?

The application opens every year on September 13 (Ana’s birthday). The deadline is March 13, 2026. Winners are announced about one month after the deadline. All submissions must be made through the Apply page of this website. Upon submission, you will be emailed a confirmation that your application was received.

What do I need to submit?

  • A 3-page personal essay OR a 1-page personal essay and a 3-minute video addressing the personal essay prompt
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of your transcript or proof of academic standing

What's the personal essay prompt?

We ask applicants to write about:

“Describe a time you served others in your community and how it impacted you. How do you hope to continue making a difference in the future?”

Be honest and specific. We’re not looking for perfect stories—we’re looking for your story.

How much is the scholarship award?

Each year, the Ana Tellez Memorial Scholarship awards two $2,500 scholarships funded by Ana’s brother Daniel Tellez and his wife Amanda Hernandez. As the scholarship fund grows through future donations, we hope to increase the number of recipients or award amounts to continue expanding Ana’s impact in the Hagerman community.

How is the winner chosen?

Our scholarship board—made up of educators, community members, and family—reviews each application with care. We look at your story, service, effort, and heart. The final decision is based on how well applicants reflect Ana’s legacy.

Are my donations tax‑deductible?

Yes. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. After you give, we’ll email you a receipt right away with everything you’ll need for your tax records.

Will I receive a receipt for my donation?

Absolutely. After you make a donation, you will receive an email confirmation that serves as your donation receipt. Please keep this for your tax records. If you ever need another copy, feel free to contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to send it.

What is your Tax ID/EIN?

Our Tax Identification Number (EIN) is: ‭39-3563485‬. You can use this number when filing your taxes to verify your contribution.

How are my donations used?

100% of your donation goes directly toward funding scholarships for graduating seniors from Hagerman, Idaho. Our board of directors is entirely volunteer, and we do not use donations to cover salaries or administrative overhead. Every dollar you give helps students pursue their educational goals and make a positive impact on their community.